• Serena Williams, who said her first auto purchase was a while Lincoln Navigator SUV she named “Ginger,” has signed to become an official spokesperson for the brand. A social media-based marketing campaign includes videos of Williams talking about and driving the 2018 Navigator, with ongoing videos to follow. “Partnering with a brand like Navigator comes from a genuine place,” she said in the first video. “Let’s just be honest: Serena Williams needs to be in the new Navigator.”

• The Smashing Pumpkins unveil 'Shiny And Oh So Bright' 36-city tour, their first tour in nearly 20 years, with founding members Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin, James Iha. Produced by Live Nation.

Hyundai said it would use partnership to support its Ioniq Hybrid and Electric, which the automaker called "an important milestone in Hyundai's global sustainability strategy" and said is "the first vehicle in the world to offer three distinct electrified powertrains on a single, dedicated vehicle platform."

The deal includes "a wide range of race week activations through which runners and spectators will have the opportunity to experience the Ioniq."

On race day, March 19, the Ioniq Hybrid will serve as the lead car for the pro men's and women's fields. More than 25,000 people are expected to take part in the Marathon.

The vehicle will be showcased at the starting line at Dodger Stadium and at the finish line near the Santa Monica Pier, as well as at the Finish Festival.

In addition, Hyundai have a presence in the Health & Fitness Expo, where an Ioniq will be on display and Hyundai will give away branded items.

Financial terms were not shared.

Why the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon?

"Ioniq will attract an entirely new group of eco- and efficiency-oriented buyers in the U.S. market," Mike O'Brien, vp-corporate and product planning for Hyundai Motor America, with headquarters about 100 miles up the coast in Santa Barbara, Calif., said in a statement.

Many groups are planning to use the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon — which begins at Dodger Stadium and ends near the Santa Monica Pier — as a platform to reach consumers and other brands.

Among them: LA2024, nearly 90 charities, Guinness World Records and the World Baseball Classic, which will promote the Final Four and championship games in Dodger Stadium, scheduled for March 21 and March 22, respectively.

Why the L.A. Marathon? "Ioniq will attract an entirely new group of eco- and efficiency-oriented buyers in the U.S. market."

"One special event we are attaching ourselves to is the Los Angeles Marathon," Erin Sloneker, director, marketing partnerships, international for MLB, told NYSportsJournalism. “We will have a table set up and other activation during the Marathon to get people excited about the WBC games coming there the next week.

"We also will be present during the (LA Big 5 Sporting Goods) 5K (on March 18), which beings and ends at Dodger Stadium," said Sloneker.

According to Sheri Wish, vp-business development for Conqur Endurance Group, the organizer of the race, "Partnering with a world-renowned and reputable automotive manufacturer like Hyundai further enhances our collaboration with leading brands and is a great addition to our expanding portfolio of global partners.”